The word "pound" comes from ancient Roman when the unit of measure was libra pondo, which meant "a pound by weight." The English word "pound" draw from the pondo part of the phrase, according to the BBC. However, the abbreviation "lb" is derived from the libra part of the word.

Why are pounds written as LBS?

The libra (Latin for "scales / balance") is an ancient Roman unit of mass that was equivalent to approximately 328.9 grams. It was divided into 12 unciae (singular: uncia), or ounces. The libra is the origin of the abbreviation for pound, "lb".

Which is correct lb or lbs?

The pound is the actual unit of measurement, while “lbs.”, which stands for libra, is the common abbreviation used in expressing pounds. The correct way of abbreviation in expressing singular or plural pounds is “lb.”